I’ll have to be completely honest here folks, if seedoeatreview is reviewing a Fringe show that contains a gorgeous three-course meal, tasty cold beers, and beautiful SA wines, then there is a good chance you’re going to get big thumbs up from me. And that is how my first review for Adelaide Fringe 2022 began. Held at Treasury 1860 (on King William Road) the great Beer versus Wine battle was waged, with Barossa Valley Brewing in one corner and Cooper Burns Wines in the other. The challenge was simple: the participants of this fun Fringe feast had to decide whether they enjoyed a selected BVB beer or Cooper Burns wine better with each accompanying dish.

What a beautiful place Treasury 1860 is, and it was the perfect venue to host such an event. Denham D’Silva (from BVB) welcomed the sold-out room of 30 diners and spruiked the benefits of his beer range, much like a lawyer trying to win a case. Next up was Russell Burns (from Cooper Burns wines), looking very comfortable in this challenge, talking up his wines, and jovially talking down the beers on offer. This was a really fun, relaxed event and it was great to hear insight from both parties as to the different flavours and textures our senses will pick up during each course.

The entree saw the cold smoked kingfish pairing as a battle between the BVB XPL (Extra Pale Lager) and Cooper Burns’ Emmy Lou Riesling. Surprisingly, BVB won this round quite convincingly. And, although I lean heavily toward beer, personally found the Riesling tasted better with the buttery soft kingfish, kohlrabi, karkalla salad, and salmon caviar.

Lamb Cutlets with smashed mint green peas and pickled red cabbage was our hearty main course, and Cooper Burns brought out a hearty red wine to pair with this meal. The 2020 GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) was a little fruity, slightly peppery, and really worked well with the lamb, but it had nothing on the BVB AI2PA. This IPA beer (Indian Pale Ale) has a lovely fruity hit, tastes a little thicker than other IPA’s and was entirely made by a computer program. Unfortunately, it didn’t win the main course round, but it definitely had my vote.

Lastly, and most enjoyably, came dessert, a mouth-watering Belgian Chocolate, and Hazelnut Tart. I was certain that the BVB Peanut Butter Chocolate Stout would win this round but, was in a slight dilemma, as the Copper Burns 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon tasted heavenly with each sip. Full-bodied and very flavoursome, I voted for this wine when we were trying to decide the winner. And, living up to my quotable reputation (given to me by my wife) as ‘the guy who spoils it for everyone else’, I also voted for the BVB Stout as well. You see, my deciding beer vote meant that the beer v wine debate was a tie and that everyone was a winner. And that’s exactly how I felt after this wonderful evening!

Five Stars *****